Beef Progeny Test 2025: Genetic insights for NZ beef industry
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
OPINION: The Hound reckons the powers at Landcorp (or as they/them like to call themselves, Pāmu) are coming under the microscope with the new government in place.
The first signs have already come from State Owned Enterprises Minister Paul Goldsmith who has said that he is “not happy” with its performance.
Goldsmith’s comments follow the state farmer’s measly half year result in 2023 of $3 million – down from $15 million for the 2022 half year. The minister says he expects SOEs to operate as efficiently and profitably as similar businesses not owned by the Crown.
“I am not yet satisfied that Pāmu is achieving this and I expect it to take steps to improve.”
Goldsmith could start by clearing out all the woke political appointments made to Landcorp’s board by the previous administration and put in place some hard-nosed business types who demand results and not feelgood claptrap from the SOE!
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

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